Introducing the North Carolina Jewish Coalition

Charlotte Jewish News, May 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In a powerful step toward strengthening Jewish advocacy and coordination across the state, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s (JFGC) Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), in partnership with Jewish organizations throughout North Carolina, has launched the North Carolina Jewish Coalition. This growing coalition is a dedicated advocacy group aimed at combating antisemitism through collaboration, strategic action, and shared resources.

Formed with the belief that a united voice is a stronger voice, the coalition seeks to enhance connectivity among Jewish organizations from across North Carolina. Its primary goals include promoting information and resource sharing, aligning legislative advocacy efforts, and amplifying programs and initiatives that further the collective mission to address and prevent antisemitism.

“The formation of the North Carolina Jewish Coalition marks a pivotal moment for our community. For the first time, Jewish leaders and advocates from across the state are uniting to amplify our collective voice, protect our values, and stand against rising antisemitism. This coalition strengthens our ability to engage with policymakers, build coalitions with allies, and ensure that Jewish life in North Carolina remains vibrant, visible, and secure,” says Douglas Greene, JFGC Jewish community relations director.

The coalition currently consists of 30 members representing Jewish communities and institutions from every corner of the state. Members convene monthly, bringing together a diverse array of professionals, advocates, and organizational leaders to share insights, discuss priorities, and coordinate efforts.

The coalition held its inaugural meeting in March, where participants outlined key focus areas that will guide the group’s direction, such as strategy for addressing the rise in antisemitism, strengthening legislative and policy advocacy at the state and local levels, and coordinating programmatic efforts to maximize impact. In April, the coalition’s second meeting took a deeper dive into the realities of antisemitism in North Carolina, examining the current landscape and exploring strategies for reporting, responding to, and taking responsibility for incidents as they arise. This dialogue emphasized the need for both proactive and reactive approaches — ones that are informed, unified, and swift.

Looking ahead, members of the coalition are actively preparing for a significant moment in their shared advocacy work: a day of action at the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh this month. This annual event provides a platform for Jewish organizations to speak directly with lawmakers, advocate for policies that protect Jewish communities, and promote broader awareness of the challenges antisemitism presents in North Carolina.

The formation of the North Carolina Jewish Coalition marks a new chapter in Jewish advocacy — one defined by connection, clarity, and collective purpose. By bridging geographic and institutional divides, the coalition strengthens the ability of every participating organization to stand firm against antisemitism and protect Jewish life in North Carolina.

For Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and its JCRC, this coalition reflects a deep commitment to community-building and action. As antisemitism continues to evolve in form and reach, the need for coordinated responses becomes more urgent — and through this coalition, North Carolina’s Jewish leaders are ensuring they meet that challenge, together.